Word
distinguishable
Phoneticsdis·tin·guish·able
US/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃəbəɫ/
UK/dɪstˈɪŋɡwɪʃəbəl/
Definition
adj. easy to tell apart from something else. You use this when you can see or hear the difference between two things.
adj. capable of being perceived as different or identified as distinct from another. Often used to describe sensory qualities like sound, appearance, or smell.
Examples
“The two birds are easily distinguishable by their bright red feathers.”
“Even though the two languages are very similar, a native speaker can usually distinguishable them by the way people pronounce certain words.”
“The artist's signature style is immediately distinguishable from that of her contemporaries, characterized by a unique use of light and shadow that creates a sense of depth.”
Examples
simple
“The two birds are easily distinguishable by their bright red feathers.”
contextual
“Even though the two languages are very similar, a native speaker can usually distinguishable them by the way people pronounce certain words.”
complex
“The artist's signature style is immediately distinguishable from that of her contemporaries, characterized by a unique use of light and shadow that creates a sense of depth.”
Real-World Examples
“Scout Boxall : I like my men like I like my passwords – weak, easily compromised, barely distinguishable from each other.” “For conservators, it is imperative that our work is documented, distinguishable from the building’s historic fabric, and reversible.” Etymology
From distinguish + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/distinguishable